Fosamax

What is Fosamax?

Fosamax, a bisphosphonate medicine (bis FOS for nayt), alters the formation and breakdown of bones in the body. This medicine can help prevent fractures and slow down bone loss. Fosamax can be used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women who are going through menopause and to treat osteoporosis in both men and women due to taking steroids. Fosamax can also be used to treat Paget’s disease in bones, which affects both men and women.

Warnings

Fosamax should not be taken if you are suffering from esophageal problems or have low calcium levels in your blood. Fosamax should not be taken if you are unable to stand or sit up straight for 30 minutes following the dose. Fosamax may cause serious problems with the stomach or esophagus. If you experience chest pain, heartburn that is new or worsening, or difficulty swallowing, stop using the medicine immediately and contact your doctor. This medicine can cause a rare condition called osteonecrosis (bone loss) or a fractured leg bone, known as a femur. Osteonecrosis symptoms include jaw pain, numbness, or red gums. They can also be accompanied by loose teeth or slow healing following dental work. Leg or groin discomfort are symptoms of a fractured femur. Call your doctor immediately if you experience muscle spasms or numbness (in your hands, feet, or mouth area) or new or unusual hip pain.

Before you take this drug

Fosamax should not be taken if:

• Hypocalcemia is a condition in which there are low calcium levels in the blood.
• Muscle problems in the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach)

Fosamax should not be taken if you are unable to stand or sit up straight for 30 minutes. Fosamax may cause serious problems with the stomach or esophagus. After taking this medication, you must remain upright for 30 minutes.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:

• Trouble swallowing
• You may have digestive problems or stomach pain.
• Low levels of calcium in the blood
• Fosamax may help treat dental conditions; an examination by your dentist is likely necessary before starting therapy with Fosamax;
• Kidney disease
• Malabsorption is a condition where your body has difficulty absorbing nutrients from food.

This medicine can cause jaw bone loss in rare cases (osteonecrosis). The symptoms include jaw pain, numbness, or red gums. They may also be accompanied by loose teeth or slow healing following dental work. This condition is more likely to occur if you continue using Fosamax. If you've had cancer, received radiation, or received chemotherapy, your risk of developing osteonecrosis may increase. Blood clotting disorders (low red cells), anemia, and pre-existing dental problems are also risk factors. Fosamax can also cause broken bones in the large leg bones. If you experience leg or groin discomfort while taking Fosamax, tell your doctor. Speak to your doctor about any risks or benefits associated with using this medication.

Fosamax is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using the medication and immediately tell your doctor. Alendronate does not pass into breast milk. It is also unknown if it can harm a baby who is nursing. Before embarking on any procedure, always speak to your physician regarding any risks involved.

Similar/related drugs

hydrochlorothiazide, alendronate, estradiol, prolia, calcium carbonate, premarin, and reclast

How to take Fosamax?

Follow the instructions of your doctor when taking Fosamax. Fosamax can be taken once a day or once a week. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or continue taking it beyond what is necessary. Take Fosamax in the morning at least 30 minutes prior to eating, drinking, or taking any other medication. Take this medicine once a week on the same date each week. Always take it first thing in the morning. Use plain water in a glass (between 6 and 8 ounces). Avoid using coffee, tea, or any other beverage, including juices, sodas, mineral water, and even soda. Avoid drinking or eating anything but plain water.

Fosamax tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or sucked. Swallow the entire tablet.

Do not take Fosamax for at least 30 minutes following the last dose.

• You should not recline or lie down.
• Take no other medicines, including calcium, vitamins, or antacids.

Take extra care with your dental hygiene when taking Fosamax. Regularly brush and floss your teeth. Tell your dentist that you're using alendronate before you have any dental work done (especially if you require surgery). Fosamax may be part of an overall treatment plan that includes diet changes, physical activity, testing for bone mineral density, and calcium and vitamin supplements. You should follow your doctor's advice. Store away from any heat or moisture at room temperature for optimal storage conditions. You will be told by your doctor for how long you should take this medication. Fosamax can be given only for 3–5 years.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not take Fosamax later in the day if you forgot to take it in the morning. Do not take the missed dose until the next morning. Take no more than two (2) doses per day. Take Fosamax once a week if you forget. If you miss a dose, you can take it the next morning. Return to your normal weekly schedule and choose your dose day. TTake no more than one dose each day.

What happens if I overdose?

Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek medical attention immediately. Do not make yourself vomit or lie down.

What should be avoided?

Fosamax should not be taken for 30 minutes or more after it has been taken. Vitamins, calcium, and antacids are all included. Alendronate can be made less absorbable by your body if you take certain medicines. Smoking can cause bone loss. Smoking can cause your bone mineral density to decrease, increasing the likelihood of fractures. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Bone loss can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Side effects of Fosamax

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, please seek emergency medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Fosamax immediately and contact your doctor.

• Heartburn that is new or worsening;
• Having difficulty swallowing can be painful.
• Pain or burning in the back or under the ribs;
• Heartburn that is severe, burning pains in the upper stomach, or bloody coughing;
• Are You Suffering From Groin, Hip, or Thigh Pain
• Jaw pain, numbness, or swelling
• Pain in the joints, muscles, or bones;
• Signs of Low Calcium Levels: muscle contractions, numbness, or tingling (in your mouth, fingers, and toes)

Fosamax can cause a variety of side effects.

• Heartburn is a stomach upset.
• Stomach pain, nausea;
• Diarrhea, constipation;
• Headaches;
• Bone pain, muscle pain, or joint pain

There may be other side effects. For medical advice about side effects, always contact your physician first. The FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report them as well.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your physician if you begin taking any new medicines or stop taking any current ones.

• Aspirin;
• NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (Advil), diclofenac (Aleve), indomethacin (Meloxicam), and others.
• Calcium supplements and antacids

This list is incomplete. Alendronate may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not cover every possible interaction.Speak to your doctor about your best schedule of other medications.